England coach Gareth Southgate defends his team's selection against Belgium with a "bigger portrait" in the lead

English manager Gareth Southgate defended his decision to remain eight players as his team lost 1-0 to Belgium at the World Cup on Thursday.

A Superb Effort of Adnan Januzaj Wrapped the Game Early in the Second Period "(19659003) Speaking after the match, Southgate told reporters (according to the Guardian) that he was looking at" the big picture "with the "biggest match of England for a decade". against Colombia on Tuesday.

"It was a game we wanted to win but the knockout was the biggest match for ten years for us and we had to make sure our key players were kept," said Southgate. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and make decisions that in some quarters might be criticized. But everyone understands – in the locker room and in the group – what we are trying to do.

"With respect, in the Euros, I think we only had a few minutes in advance of one of the matches. Here we played very well. We played well in the games that preceded and followed the tournament, and I do not think we played badly tonight.

"We do not like losing and do not want to lose games, but what if we put Harry on for 10 minutes and someone raked his ankle, that would have been ridiculous, the elimination game direct is important. "

While admitting that he and his team have the responsibility to produce good football and positive results, Southgate has firmly made its decision, with which it is" quite l & # 39; home. "

"Of course, we have a responsibility to the fans. the stadium was absolutely exceptional tonight. The support and encouragement of the house has been brilliant. But when you are a leader and a manager, you must make decisions that are right for your group to reach the main goal.

"Sometimes these decisions will be criticized, I understand that, but only one person makes this decision, with all the facts and management of a tournament in mind: physically, medically, tactically for the benefit of the group. I am completely comfortable with the decision.Sometimes you have to make decisions for the bigger picture. "